Water jet projector and control apparatus

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for receiving a flow of water under pressure and for projecting the water through the air in the form of a jet having improved uniformity of cross section, power concentration and range of projection. Means is provided for manually or automatically rotating the apparatus to permit horizontal, fullcircle, angular projection of the water jet and for optionally adjusting the vertical elevation of the water jet trajectory. The range of water jet projection may be lengthened by injection of a friction-reducing chemical fluid to the water flow through the apparatus or may be shortened by selectively placing a mechanical deflection means at least partially across the water jet issuing from the apparatus. Automatic timer sequence means is optionally used to cyclically change the range of projection and the rate of rotation of the apparatus to achieve sequential irrigation of two or more areas of land within the range of coverage of the water jet and to permit uniform irrigation of relatively rectangular land areas. Means responsive to wind pressure and direction is provided to control power concentration and the arc of trajectory of the water jet.

United States Patent [111 3,820,714 Erickson et al. p June 28, 1974 WATER JET PROJECTOR AND CONTROL APPARATUS [5 7] ABSTRACT [76] Inventors: Lennart G. Erickson, 2075 Pioneer Apparatus for receiving a flow of water under pressure Ct., San Mateo, Calif. 94402; and for projecting the water through the air in the William S. Erickson, 260 Casitas form of a jet having improved uniformity of cross sec- Bulevar, Los Gatos, Calif. 95030 tion, power concentration and range of projection. Means is provided for manually or automatically rotat- [22] Filed 1972 ing the apparatus to permit horizontal, full-circle, an- [2| App]. No.: 295,763 gular projection of the water jet and for optionally adjusting the vertical elevation of the water jet trajectory. The range of water jet projection may be length- [52] Cl 239/ ened by injection of a friction-reducing chemical fluid [51] l t Cl B05b 3/0'4 to the water flow through the apparatus or may be [58] g i 240 256 shortened by selectively placing a mechanical deflection means at least partially across the water jet issu- 239/264 137/13 ing from the apparatus. Automatic timer sequence means iso tionall used toc clicall chan e the ran e [56] References cued of projecti n and i he rate of rotatio n of th e apparatis UNITED STATES PATENTS to achieve sequential irrigation of two or more areas 3,307.567 3/1967 Gogarty et al. 137/13 I of land within the range of coverage of the water jet 3537.525 1 1/1970 and to permit uniform irrigation of relatively rectangu- 3573354 3/ lar land areas. Means responsive to wind pressure and 1661673 6/1972 direction is provided to control power concentration and the arc of trajectory of the water jet.

Knudsen 239/1 Primary E.ran1iner-Allen N. Knowles Assistant ExaminerMichael Y. Mar 65 Claims, 10 Drawing Figures Pmmmwmm 3820.714

sum 2 or 5 u Im PATENTEDJUN28 m4 11820.7 1 4 SHEET 3 BF 5 FIG. 5

PATENTEDJUN28 m4 3.820.714

' saw u 0F 5 FIG.6

WATER JET PROJECTOR AND CONTROL APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION There are many applications for a jet stream of water projected through the air with the objective of achieving a maximum range of projection of the water, or for maximum range of application of the hydraulic power inherent in such a stream. For instance, in fire fighting applications, powerful water streams are usually deployed from conventional monitors, as is well-known in the art, and the effective range of throw or projection is known to be adversely affected by turbulence created by friction and flow stream irregularities created within the conventionally employed elbow-swivel joints and also in the nozzle barrel and nozzle tip. Fluid turbulence in the projected water jet stream, i.e., randomly directed,'angular water flow components within the stream, is evidenced by surface breakthrough irregularities along the stream followed by a rapid dispersion of the stream and a relatively short trajectory of the stream through the air.

Similar limiting considerations apply to nozzles and related apparatus usually employed for creating powerful water jets for projected delivery of the hydraulic power content of a cohesive fluid stream. Such applications include hydraulic mining and the breakup and pulping of granular metallic ores, sand and the like into a fluid suspended, pumpable slurry form.

In agricultural sprinkler irrigation systems, rotating sprinkler heads of many types are used to project water jet streams outwardly in a trajectory as is well-known in the art. The irrigating range of projection of such sprinkler heads is limited by:

l. Turbulence effects as mentioned above with respect to fire fighting applications;

2. Division, diversion or dispersion'of the projected jet stream to accomplish continuous distribution of water along the full radial length of the projected stream;

3. Use of part of the water jet power to accomplish rotation, as in all impact hammer-type sprinkler heads; and

4. A fixed elevation which determines the arc of trajectory, i.e., a compromise between the elevation best suited to achieve maximum range of projection during calm winter periods and the lower elevation required to minimize effects of wind on the projected stream.

As a result of these limitations, the available How of water thus distributed, particularly by the larger sprinkler heads, usually falls upon each unit area of land within the radial range at continuous rates of application exceeding the maximum absorption rate of the soil. When this condition exists, runoff losses and soil erosion will occur.

An important limitation in regard to use of all sprinkler irrigation systems is that the wind will affect the trajectory and range of the projected water jet streams therefrom. This will adversely affect the desired uniformity of water application to each unit ground area to be irrigated.

An inherent limitation in regard to use of very large sprinkler irrigation heads, of the type which distribute water in circular patterns, is that they do not properly cover most farming fields which are rectangular in shape. Thus, an irrigating pattern of placement of such sprinkler heads to achieve full coverage of a field will usually result in wasteful distribution of significant amounts of water, and fertilizer (often distributed therein), outside of the field boundaries.

These inherent limitations of conventional sprinkler heads have had a profound limiting effect upon practical usage and applications of agricultural sprinkler systems up to the present time. Equipment costs are usually excessive for fixed installation of large numbers of smaller sprinkler heads and interconnecting pipelines. Labor costs are usually too excessive to permit use of portable sprinkler irrigation systems which are movable manually or by motor-assisted means between land areas to be irrigated.

A solution for some of the operational limitations of conventional sprinkler heads is to mechanize the sprinklers so as to render them movable over the ground while irrigating, as is well-known in the art. Typically such arrangements employ a lateral pipeline, usually about 1,100 feet long, equipped with a multiplicity of continuously operating, small sprinkler heads and supported on wheeled or equivalent motorized carriers ar ranged to move over the ground linearly in straight-line fashion while being supplied with water via a dragging hose or to pivot about a vertical axis to irrigate a circular ground area around a central water supply point.- Altematively, a single, relatively large sprinkler head is carried upon a wheeled vehicle supplied with water via a dragging hose and towed over the ground by means of a winch and steel cable.

All sprinkler irrigation systems which travel over the ground while continuously irrigating are limited by mechanical and soils capacities for sustaining the weight of water contained in the moving pipelines and/or by damage resulting from dragging water-filled hoses over the ground surface. Runoff water losses and soil damage result in cases where the soils cannot absorb water at application rates, typically 0.4 to 1.5 inches/hour, during the relatively short portion of total irrigating time that any particular unit area of land is within irrigating range of the moving sprinkler. Thus, the total quantity of-water that may usefully be applied with a continuously moving sprinkler to a unit area of land is limited typically to 1 inch to 2 inches for each traverse of the area. Repetitive traversesare required. to reach the total 3 to 5 inches of applied water often desired for irrigation of crops having deep root systems. The practical distribution of fertilizers through moving sprinkler systems is limited by the fact that, as the equipment moves away, an undesirable residue of liquid fertilizer is left behind upon the surfaces of crops, foliage and also upon the ground surface.

The effects of wind are particularly adverse in regard to moving sprinkler systems using large sprinkler heads as, in such systems, each unit area of land is irrigated only once as the sprinkler unit traverses it. Thus, a steady wind during such period may prevent or seriously limit deposition of water on some parts of the unit area while increasing the amount of water deposited on other parts of the unit area.

An improved, automatically moving lateral sprinkler system is disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,610,531 to Erickautomatically emptied of their water content before,

moving to the next irrigating position. An improved sprinkler system is disclosed in co-pending application U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 125,656, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,703,990 by Lennart G. Erickson, wherein a mobile lateral pipeline remains stationary during each irrigating interval and four large sprinkler heads spaced along the lateral are timer-controlled to operate one at a time in repetitive sequence. Thus, the equivalent of a moving pattern of water application'is achieved without any physical movement of the lateral pipeline or connecting hose during the irrigating period or set. As the available water flow is distributed over a relatively large land area, the rate of water application, averaged over the timespan of each repetitive cycle sequence, is typically less than 0.2 inches/hour and usually well within the soils capacity for long term absorption without runoff or soil erosion. Tests indicate that this repetitive cycle irrigation technique results in an increase of up to 30 percent in water infiltration rate into the soils, as compared to continuous sprinkling. Thus, long term irrigation sets, each typically 23 hours in length, may be employed to efficiently distribute a larger total quantity of irrigation water without runoff problems.

In these referenced irrigation systems, which remain stationary and irrigate each unit land area repetitively for extended periods of time, the effects of time variations and direction and intensity of the winds are minimized due to long-term averaging of the effect of the wind on variably increasing or decreasing the quantity of water applied to each unit area of land. However, as a result of wind limitations, all conventional sprinkler heads use nozzle elevations and jet stream trajectories which are a compromise between the following:

1. a higher elevation which would better provide increased range of coverage during calm weather periods and 2. a lower elevation which would provide resistance to wind deflection and more uniform unit area coverage during windy periods.

The referenced cyclic irrigation systems are well suited to distribution of liquified fertilizer carried in the irrigation water during the initial phase of an irrigation period followed by continued irrigation with clear water to effectively wash the fertilizer residues off of the crop foliage and soil surface and well into the soils profile. This is particularly effective in-regard to distribution of liquifled organic fertilizer and waste product materials from farm feedlot operations. Advantages resulting from such operations include the following:

1. Air pollution and infestation by flies and other insects are effectively controlled as the waste product materials are not allowed to decompose upon plant and soil surfaces.

2. The fertilizer waste product materials are placed into intimate contact with the soil and thus will be more rapidly assimilated.

.3. Crop loss is avoided as plants would otherwise suffer damage from dried-on surface residues of such materials. 1

4. The sprinkler equipment can be washed clean of fertilizer and waste product residue, and the operation and maintenance of such equipment is thus more acceptable to farm operations personnel.

The costs of equipment, maintenance and operations labor required for employment of the various sprinkler irrigation systems mentioned above are such that such systems are, up to the present time, limited mainly to use in high intensity irrigated cultivation of relatively level farm lands to achieve optimum yield per unit area of land. Such equipment has not proved useful for irrigation of less well developed grazing rangelands which may include hills, gullies, fences, trees and other obstructions which restrict use of any sort of sprinkler system involving movement of an extended lateral pipe line, or a traveling system involving the dragging of a water supply hose loop. These same considerations generally preclude the use of mechanized intensive irrigation systems in relatively undeveloped areas of the world wherein availability of water and technically skilled operating and maintenance. personnel are limited.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a hydraulic jet method and apparatus and, more particularly, to a system for creation of a high velocity water jet stream having low internal turbulence, more uniform cross section velocity, and direction and increased range of project ion through the air. The invention also includes techniques for controlling the direction, range and dispersal of the projected water jet stream.

An object of this invention is to provide apparatus and a method for forming a hydrualic jet by using an improved one-piece jet-forming assembly including a nozzle tip, nozzle barrel, vaned elbow and diffuser conduit.

An object of this invention is to provide apparatus and a method of the type described wherein the assembly utilizes an adjustable, self-centering hydraulic needle, a number of stream-straightening vanes for precision formation and flow rate control of the hydraulic jet, and means cooperating with the hydraulic needle so that the latter forms a valve to close the nozzle automatically at hydraulic pressures less than that required for proper operation.

An object of this invention is to provide apparatus and a method of the aforesaid character which permits internal surface slot injection of a fluid frictionreducingchemical additive into the fluid flow for reduction of fluid friction and turbulence at the internal wall surfaces within the nozzle barrel and nozzle tip and for improved cohesiveness of the projected hydraulic jet.

An object of this invention is to provide, in such apparatus and method, for radial rotation and adjustment of angle of elevation of such projected hydraulic jet, without any change or disruption of the internal stream flow.

An objective of this invention is to provide a hydraulic jet forming apparatus and method permitting improved range and power concentration to be achieved for hydraulic mining or for breakdown and pulping of granular metallic ores into fluidic flow slurry form.

An object of this invention is to provide a water jet monitor with improved range of throw for fire-fighting purposes or for hydraulic cleaning and wash down of large surface areas, holds of ships, storage tanks and the like.

It is an object of this invention to provide a rotating agricultural jet sprinkler system for concentration of total hydraulic energy as needed for irrigation of a perimeter area of increased radius and capable of utilizing the following improvements:

1. Injection of a friction-reducing chemical additive to further increase the radius of throw of the projected jet to an outer perimeter area.

2 Control of injection of such friction-reducing additive on a rotational basis to control the range of projection so as to permit irrigation of a relatively rectangular perimeter area.

3. Insertion of a stream spoiler-deflector into the jet stream to shorten the range of throw and diffuse the stream at periodic timed intervals as necessary to achieve a balancing average distribution of irrigation water to an inner circular area.

4. Use of a variable speed motor drive controllable so as to adjust the speed of rotation of the jet to optimum rate coordinated with the effective range of throw.

5. Use of automatic time sequence and rotational sequence control to provide for cyclic sequential control of the projection range and rotational speed of the jet.

6. Use of a transducer to sense wind velocity above a preset threshold level and wind direction relative to the direction of the projected jet, and means for automatically compensating for and minimizing the effects of wind by:

a. Over-riding injection of the fluid-friction reducing chemical additive to increase the cohesiveness and penetrating power of the jet projected into the wind; and

b. Lowering the nozzle barrel elevation to provide a lower arc of trajectory of the projected jet during periods of wind pressure from any direction.

It is an object of this invention to provide apparatus and method capableof achieving the advantages of times, sequential, intermittent irrigation previously disclosed in US. Pat. No. 3,610,531 and in pending US. Pat. application, Ser. No. 125,656, filed Mar. 18, l97l 3,703,990, by the use of a self-contained, cyclic, single jet irrigator.

It is an objective of this invention to provide apparatus and a method of the type described which utilizes a self-contained, cyclic, single jet i'rrigator for disposal of animal wastes in accordance with the teachings set forth in co-pending US. Pat. application Ser. No. 290,016 contemporaneously filed by Lennart G. Erickson and William S. Erickson.

These and other objects of this invention will become apparent as the following specification progresses, reference being had to the accompanying drawings for illustrations of several embodiments of the apparatus.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a vertical section through a basic embodiment of the hydraulic jet projector apparatus of this invention;

FIG. 2a is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross section view of an injection slot forming a part of the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2b is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2b-2h of FIG. 1;

FIG. is a cross-sectional view taken along line 2c-2c of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view, partly in section, of a jet projector monitor for use in fire-fighting, hydraulic mining or wash down operations;

FIG. 4 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a jet projector for use in breakdown and pulping of particulate matter into slurry form;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 3 but showing a jet projector for agriculatural irrigation applications;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a land area having several radial water distribution patterns obtained from a rotating sprinkler;

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 but showing water distribution patterns on a land area sequentially irrigated by the apparatus of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a hydraulic control system for the apparatus of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 illustrates the essential features of the hydraulic jet device of this invention, in which the dimensions referred to are well suited to water flow rates 500 to 1,500 gallons/minute. Water is supplied under pressure via a hose or pipe I, typically 6 inches in diameter, through a diffuser section 2 supported uprightly in some suitable manner, the diffuser being gradually tapered at a cone angle preferably 2- /2" but not more than 6, wherein the kinetic energy of the relatively rapid fluid flow in hose or pipe 1 is converted into increased pressure and a slower less turbulent rate of flow.

The relatively high pressure, relatively low velocity fluid flow enters elbow 3 coupled to the upper end of diffuser 2, the elbow being equipped with turning vane fins 4 to substantially reduce the fluid turbulence that would otherwise result from centrifugal displacement pressures and eddy currents created by the change in direction of flow of the fluid mass. These turning vanes are hydrodynamically shaped and spaced to accomplish this function, as is well known in the art.

The relatively non-turbulent, low velocity flow is carried through inclined nozzle barrel 5 coupled to elbow 3 and to nozzle tip 6 having a circular orifice I1 and in which is situated a hydraulic needle 7 of a shape such that, taken in combination with that of nozzle tip 6, the water will be guided to the point of issue 8 of needle 7 at a smoothly accelerated rate of flow and be discharged by easy curves tangential to the interior curved surface of nozzle tip 6 and the curved surface of the hydraulic needle, so as to follow the latter to point 8 thereof. A hydraulic needle of this type is shown in US. Pat. No. 660,879, issued to W. A. Doble. The principal components thus far described are tubular or circular in cross section as shown in FIGS. 2b and 2c and may conveniently be assembled using conventional pipe flanges 12, or other means.

Hydraulic needle 7 is carried at one end of a flexible shaft 9 so that it will automatically assume and maintain' a concentric position in nozzle tip in response to the fluid flow therethrough. Shaft 9 has a number of longitudinal fin vanes 10 effective in reduction of fluid turbulence and assuring a straight flow of water toward circular orifice ll. Shaft 9 extends through a boss 3a (FIG. 1) in elbow 3 and has a lock nut 13 threadably coupled thereto. The longitudinal position of hydraulic needle 7 may be adjusted by adjusting the position of lock nut 13; thus, nozzle orifice l1v can be adjusted as to cross-sectional area or may be closed entirely so that needle 7 functions as a shutoff valve.

The total outer surface areas of needle 7 and fins l serve an additional function in that these surface areas add friction losses to lower the velocity of mid-stream flow somewhat to more nearly correspond to the water velocity of the outer surface of the projected jet stream, which is slowed by friction losses in flow contact with the relatively larger area or the inner wall surfaces of nozzle tip 6 and nozzle barrel 5. Thus, a projected stream of greater uniformity than is capable with conventional nozzles not equipped with such a varied needle is achieved. A more uniform jet cross-sectional velocity profile, of course, directly translates to lower turbulence within the projected jet stream and is reflected in superior cohesiveness and increased range of throw or projection of the stream.

The improved hydraulic jet device thus far described will produce a jet stream of improved characteristics. However, we have discovered that a major remaining cause of turbulence within the discharged or projected jet stream is due to fluid friction and shear velocity discontinuities within the fluid boundary layer at interior surfaces of the nozzle barrel and nozzle tip; 6, particularly within the inner boundary layer and the fi).005 inch viscous sublayer of water subject to shear forces between the relatively slow moving molecules of water held to the wall surfaces by capillary forces and the rapidly moving main stream flow adjacent thereto.

We have significantly minimized this problem through injection of a fluid friction-reducing additive or solution, preferably of polyethylene oxide, into the aqueous boundary layer at the base of nozzle barrel 5. An inclined, annular slot 14 (FIG. 2a) is formed circumferentially around the entrance end of nozzle barrel 5 by inclusion of two-piece ringslot insert assembly l5 assembled between a pair of adjacent annular flanges l2 joining nozzle barrel 5 to elbow 3. Assembly includes a pair of annularmembers 15a and 15b clamped between adjacent flanges 12 by a number of bolts 15c. Preferably, slot 14 should be about 0.022 inch in width and inclined at an angle of about 7 relative to the interior surface of nozzle: barrel 5. Within member 15b of assembly 15 is a circumferential chamber 16 communicating with a supply tube 17 through which the friction-reducing additive or solution is supplied under pressure. A suitable friction-reducing additive is the high molecular weight polymer chemical, polyethylene oxide, Polyox WSR-30l manufactured by Union Carbide Corporation which may be prepared in a concentrate solution, l percent or more by weight) in water and/or an organic solvent such as isopropanol, and subsequently mixed with water to a dilute solution of usually 200 to 800 parts per million by weight (0.02percent to 0.08 percent). Such a dilute solution is injected at a rate of about 0.7 to 1.5 gallons per minute to produce a discharge velocity out of slot 14 at about 1.75 to 3.75 feet per second which is equal to or exceeds the average discharge flow rate within the viscous sublayer at the wall surface, under conditions of 1,000 gallons per minute discharge through nozzle barrel 5 of 8 inch diameter and an average velocity of about 6.4 feet per second.

In this manner, the friction-reducing additive is intro- 7 the nozzle orifice and an increase in average boundary flow velocity. These turbulence effects are very important as the fluid flow enters nozzle tip 6 and is rapidly accelerated in velocity therein. Thus, the jet stream issuing from nozzle tip 6 is produced with reduced internal turbulence and with a jet surface velocity more nearly corresponding to average internal velocity. We believe that the infusion of a high molecular weight additive into the outer perimeter of fluid flow within nozzle barrel 5 and nozzle tip 6 remains concentrated within the outer peripheral area of the projected jet and thus contributes to prolonged cohesiveness and range of throw. This technique of boundary layer injection within nozzle barrel 5 is effective in reducing costs of minimizing frictional effects to a practical economic level as the usual quantity of polyethylene oxide additive needed is only about 0.3 parts per million by weight of total water flow as compared to an alternative requirement of 50 parts per million by weight for a homogeneous additive solution to achieve comparable fluid friction reduction.

' A piston-actuated injector means for controlling the injection of the friction-reducing additive is illustrated in FIG. 1. A cylinder block 18 having three cylinder sections 19, 20 and 21, all of different diameters, contains an integral, free-moving piston 18a having three working areas or faces 22, 23 and 24 for sections 19, 20 and 21, respectively. Section 20 has a diameter less than section 19, and section 21 has a diameter less than section 20. Face 22 is at one end of piston 180, face 24 is at the opposite end of the piston, and face 23 is annular. Water at working pressure (typically psi) is taken from supply conduit 1 by a tube 10 having a flow constriction control valve 25 and 3-way cycling control valve 26. A tube lb connects valve 26 to cylinder section 9 to permit water to enter the latter and to exert a force against face 22 of piston 18a. This force will cause the piston to move at a rate controlled by valve 25. The combined area of faces 23 and 24 is smaller than that of face 22; thus, a superior pressure (typically psi) is applied to any fluid, within cylinder sections 20 and 21 and thus displaced through supply tube 17, manifold 16 and injector slot 14, tube 17 being coupled to the end of cylindrical section 21 (FIG. 1).

Upon operation of cycling valve 26 to its alternate position allowing discharge of water from cylinder section 19 through a discharge tube 27, a reverse flow of water at working pressure from nozzle barrel 5 will flow through slot 14, manifold 16 and supply tube 17 to piston face 24 causing the piston to move downward at a relatively rapid reset rate. This same fluid pressure operates to close check valve 28 in a fluid line 28a tapped off from tube 17. This same motion of the piston and piston face 23 causes a suction within cylinder section 20 to cause a charge of friction-reduction additive concentrate 29 stored in container 30 to be drawn in from the latter through a fluid line 30a having a check valve 31. Subsequent operation of cycling valve 26 and upward motion of the piston will close check valve 31 and displace the concentrate charge through line 28a past check valve 29 to be mixed with the charge of water displaced from cylinder section 21. Thus concentrate solution 29 is diluted to a desired lower concentration in proportion to the relative displacement ratios of the pistons operating in cylinder sections 20 and 21 and the strength of the concentrate solution stored in container 30. The flow rate of injection through tube 17 is con- 9 trolled by valve 25 which controls the speed of piston movement during the injection stroke. The velocity of flow at slot 14, the point of injection into nozzle barrel 5, may be reduced or increased by increasing or decreasing, respectively, the width of slot 14.

A vent 32 is provided in cylinder 18 (FIG. I) for ambient pressure equalization of the region between cylinder sections 19 and 20, which region is not subject to hydraulic pressure. Control valve 26 may be operated by auxiliary control means to be subsequently described, or may be operated by means of lever 33, which is turn activated by the reciprocating motion of pistons 22 and 23. The coupling between valve 26 and lever 33 is indicated by dashed line 33a. Alternatively, positive displacement motors and pumps may be employed for injection of the friction reducing additive fluid at desired dilution and flow rates.

FIG. 3 is a very schematic illustration of the jet projector of this invention arranged as a monitor for manual direction or playing of the projected jet about a generally vertical axis of rotation and through a range of vertical angles of elevation upon being pivoted about a generally horizontal axis. The jet projector of FIG. 3 has the same basic elements as that shown in FIG. 1 except that it has a relatively short length nozzle barrel for operational convenience. To provide additional reduction of fluid turbulence within the nozzle barrel, a set of honeycomb flow-straightening vanes 34 are included. This set may be a rectangular (1 /2 inch X A inch) mesh of interlocked thin metal plates forming a multiplicity of parallel flow channels (:3 inches long) serving to reduce secondary flow eddy currents and thus to provide a less turbulent flow of water toward nozzle tip 6. Means is provided for slot injection of a chemical friction-reducing additive through tube 17 from a pressurized source of supply, such as that described with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2, or by means of a separately powered pump and connecting flexible hose (not shown). A relatively short diffuser 2 is used for operational convenience and should preferably have a cone angle not exceeding 6 for maximum flow rate with little turbulence.

The weight of the jet projector assembly and its water supply flexible hose 1 is carried on pivot bearings 35, one on each side at the centerline intersections of the nozzle barrel assembly and the diffuser section assembly. Bearings 35 define the horizontal axis about which the jet projector pivots. A counterweight assembly 36 carried on support arms 37 and 38 is provided to balance the .weight of the nozzle barrel assembly and its water content. Bearings 35 are supported by a tripod cage assembly 39 and in turn by three roller wheels 40 spaced radially at 120 and free to roll full circle within a circular, inclined race-way track 41 supported on any suitable structure such as a number of legs 42 with associated braces which will provide necessary clearance for the range of movement of the jet projector assembly. Thus, the reverse reaction thrust of the projected jet (typically 560 lbs. at 1,000 gpm at 130 psi) is balanced and absorbed at bearings 35. The relative weights of diffuser 2 and related couplings and supply hose are slightly more than the weights of the nozzle barrel, the nozzle tip and the counterweight assemblies; thus, the entire jet projector is at easy balance with the nozzle elevated at 30.

This jet trajectory angle has been found to provide the maximum range of throw as measured at a horizontal base line. The projected stream elevation can be raised or lowered with moderate manual effort applied at handle 43 on counterweight assembly 36, and flexibility of movement of the jet projector is provided by flexible hose 1. To provide increased flexibility of movement, diffuser 2 may be fabricated of flexible, reinforced plastic material similar to that used for construction of flexible hose 1, so that it will bend somewhat at extreme upper and lower ranges of elevation of the nozzle barrel. The entire jet projector assembly is free to rotate, through horizontal angles of projection, i.e., about a generally vertical axis, upon track 41 with a swivel joint 44 between diffuser 2 and hose 1 providing the necessary rotational flexibility.

The improved water jet projector monitor of FIG. 3 is best suited for fire-fighting purposes and for hydraulic mining and wash-down applications wherein a maximum possible range of throw is important. In such applications, economic consideration may justify injection of a larger quantity of friction-reducing additive (say, 1.5 gpm at 500 ppm dilution) to achieve somewhat increased range.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the jet projector of this invention arranged as a fixed elevation, rotating hydraulic jet projector suitable for installation in the hold of a ship, or in a storage tank, for use in breakdown and pulping of granular metallic ores or other particulate matter into fluidized slurry form. Such an application and method is described in US Pat. No. 3,606,479 to Charles W. Robinson et al.

This arrangement has the same basic elements as the jet projectors of FIGS. 1 and 3. To this end, a high pressure water supply from pipe or hose 1 is carried through tapered diffuser 2 to mitered elbow 3 equipped with turning vanes 4, all as described in more detail in regard to FIG. 1. A set of honeycomb flow straightening vanes 45 may be optically used to minimize turbulence. Slot injector structure is provided in the same manner and for the same purpose as previously described, and in FIG. 4, the required flow of fluid friction-reducing additive may be supplied through tube 17 from centralized high pressure pumping equipment used to feed a number of jet projectors of the type shown in FIG. 4.

v A rotary joint or swivel 44 is used so that the nozzle barrel 46 may be freely rotated by a hydraulic motor or equivalent device 47. The barrel is rotatably supported in bearing assembly 48 carried in the slurry product collector sump 49 mounted in the bottom 50 of the storage hold of a shp or tank. A nozzle elbow 51 is equipped with turning vanes 52 and is close-coupled to the nozzle tip 53 in which is situated a hydraulic needle 7 equipped with longitudinal fin vanes 10 all as described in regard to FIG. 1.

The hydraulic needle-supporting shaft 9 is flexibly mounted on a spring-loaded piston 54, shown in fully retracted, normal operating position under operating water pressure. Upon completion of operation and shutoff of water pressure, spring 55 operates to move the piston, shaft and hydraulic needle assembly so as to close the nozzle orifice 11 to prevent clogging from granular product material. An enclosing circular shaped shell enclosure cap 56, in combination with bottom cover plate 57, provides a smooth, symmetrical profile and protection for the entire nozzle assembly which otherwise could become stuck in the surrounding compacted granular product material. Relatively larger amounts of more concentrated solutions of fluid friction-reducing additive may be injected through tube 17, to compensate for the increased turbulence introduced near the nozzle orifice 11 by turning vanes 52 and the right angle elbow fitting 51 necessary in this application.

FIG. is a schematic illustration of the jet projector of this invention particularly adapted for agricultural sprinkler-irrigation. As described in regard to the previous figures, the water flow path is from hose 1 through swivel coupling 44, diffuser 2, vaned elbow 3, injector slot assembly 15, nozzle barrel 5, and noule tip 6 equipped with hydraulic needle 7 to point of issue 8 of the projected jet. The balanced weight of this assembly is carried through a suitable fixed supporting structure 58 to three roller wheels 59 spaced radially at about 120 and free to roll in a circular, generally horizontal track 41 carried on a suitable supporting structure 42 and all mounted on a wheeled trailer assembly 60 adapted for convenient towing transport of the jet projector irrigator assembly. A hose connector 61 is provided for convenient coupling of the flexible water supply hose 1, which may also be conveniently transported on a trailer equipped with 5 reel to facilitate extension and retrieval.

A hydraulic motor 62 provides rotational power through flexible shaft 63 directly to one of the wheels 59 to cause the jet projector assembly to rotate about a generally vertical axis at any desired speed, typically one revolution every 3 to 6 minutes, depending upon the radial range of projection of the jet stream and controllable by a variable flow of water supplied-through tube 68.

-The normal elevation of nozzle barrel 5 is about 28 to 30 above the horizontal which has been found to provide the maximumradial range of throw under nonwindy conditions. Under normal range operating conditions, the concentrated jet stream of water is projected to a circular perimeter area surrounding a relatively dry close-in area.

. Longer range projection to a greater radial distance is accomplished when desired through injection of a fluid friction-reducing additive as previously described. The injection equipment illustrated in FIG. 5 includes a hydraulic rotary motor 64, direct coupled to a rotary water pump 65 and a rotary fluid additive pump 66. The motor and pumps are preferably positive displacement types and properly sized to combine a predetermined flow of fluid additive concentrate from container 30 with a larger flow of water (typically a dilution of l to 30) for injection into an annular slot in the nozzle barrel through tube 17 as previously described. The injection flow rate is controlled'by a valve 67 used to adjust the flow of water through hydraulic: motor 64 and thereby itsspeed of rotation. This positive displacement rotary motor and pump apparatus may be used alternatively to the positive displacement reciprocating piston apparatus described in regard to FIG. 1 for injection of the friction-reducing additive.

Shorter range projection of the inner circular area immediately surrounding the jet irrigator is accomplished when desired through use of a stream spoiler assembly 69. Hydraulic water pressure, through tube 70 serves to displace spring-loaded piston 71 so as to thrust deflector vane 72 partially into the projected jet stream, thus to reduce range of throw of the jet stream and to deflect water to irrigation of the inner area.

During windy intervals a lower elevation of the nozzle barrel, typically about 20 above the horizontal has been found to provide better radial range against forequarter head winds and more uniform downwind coverage. A hydraulic jack assembly 73 coupled with sup porting structure 58 is used to reduce the angle of elevation of the nozzle barrel when desired. Hydraulic water pressure through tube 109 serves to displace piston 74 relative to its cylinder 74a to elevate supporting structure 58 and thereby tilt the entire jet projector assembly to provide a lower angle of elevation of the nozzle barrel. This elevated assembly continues free to rotate on circular track 41 and the necessary flexibility for the resulting off-center rotation of the lower part of the assembly is provided by flexible hose loop 1 and optionally by use of flexible material construction for diffuser 2 similar to that employed in construction of flexible hose 1.

A directional wind-sensitive transducer assembly is mounted so as to rotate with the nozzle barrel and comprises an aerodynamically shaped horn or funnel 75 to collect and concentrate wind'energy into a relatively small throat area 76 across which is projected a small stream of high pressure water supplied through tube 77 and nozzle 78. Normally this fluid energy is received in sensor tube 79 and serves to maintain a hydraulic pressure therein. Under wind pressure the water flow is diverted away from sensor tube 79 and the resulting decline in pressure operates through control equipment, to be described, so as to automatically cause hydraulic jack 73 to lower the trajectory of the projected jet irrigation stream and also to cause injection of fluid friction-reducing additive to provide increased cohesiveness and power concentration in the irrigating jet stream projected during windy periods.

To achieve the inherent advantages previously described in regard to repetitive cycle sequential irrigation of the three concentric land areas to which this rotatingirrigation jet stream may be directed, any suitable time interval control system may be employed to provide for repetitive sequential operation, i.e.:

N range Normal radial range of water jet.

L range Longer range projection due to injection of a fluid friction reducing additive.

S range Short range projection with stream spoiler deflection.

The ground surface areas that may be irrigated by such triple range jet projection are illustrated in FIG. 6 in idealized form. In practice, there is an area of overlap between nominal areas S and N, and the L range water distribution area extends over both N and L areas due to increased dispersion of the jet stream in the outer half of the radial range. A more useful irrigation.

pattern is illustrated in FIG. 7 in which a'series of transitions between N range and L range is made in 45 segments of arc. As can be seen from the superposed squares, the FIG. 7 arrangement concentrates the available water'more nearly to a desirable rectangular area of irrigation and avoids use of the relatively expensive friction-reducing additive in needless placement of water beyond the boundaries of the primary area to be irrigated.

Typically the total ground surface areas expressed as a percentage of total irrigated area are about S 33 percent, N 31 percent and L 36 percent. To achieve uniform average distribution of water, the irril3 gating time span of each cyclic sequence is proportionately divided between these areas of coverage.

An inherent characteristic of all water jet streams projected in a stationary arc of trajectory through air, at pressures appropriate for sprinkler irrigation, is that smaller drops of water are distributed at an inner radial range due apparently to air friction dispersion at the jet stream surface area. Due to the following current of air thus created along the arc of trajectory and the tailgating" effect applicable to water projected in the center of the stream, a characteristic phenomenon is that the largest diameter droplets of water are precipitated in the maximum range area. Vertical and prolonged impact of such droplets will damage soils due to dispersal of soil aggregates, with resultant reduction in infiltration rates. Such damage may be incurred with sprinkler irrigation at low arcs of trajectory, particularly in impact type sprinklers wherein the projected stream is moved in ratchet-like steps between intervals during which the projected arc or trajectory is stationary. As

trated schematically in FIG. 8. Primary control devices are spool type valves of the following types:

Cam, pushrod-actuated, spring return 81, 82, 83

Hydraulic, pressure-actuated, spring return 84, 85,

86 Hydraulic, pressure-actuated, hydraulic pressure return 87.

Valve 81 is actuated by four cam plates 88 each about 45 of arc in width and attached at 90 centers to a disc 89 equipped with eight ratchet pins 90 spaced at 45 centers around the outer periphery of disc 89. A total of 8 lever pins 91 (FIG. are mounted around the inner perimeter of circular track 41 at 45 spacing. Disc 89 is mounted on the rotating jet assembly so to be rotated Vs turn by action of each lever pin 91 operating against a ratchet pin 90. Thus disc 89 is caused to rotate one revolution per full circle of revolution of the jet assembly on track 41, and through operation of cam a result, the outer perimeter area is irrigated in a series of spaced intervals during which the full force of the projected stream falls upon a specific area, air friction breakup of water is minimized and the soil surface irrigated is subjected to substantial impact forces.

In the improved jet irrigator of FIG. 5, water impact damage to soils and to crops is substantially reduced because of the following:

1. Improved jet stream power concentration and cohesiveness allows the jet to be projected about half of the radial range and to the crest of the trajectory are before substantial disintegration of the projected stream occurs.

2. Continuous rotation of the jet irrigator causes the projected jet to trace a continuously changing path through the air. This practically eliminates the tailgating" effect at the outer extremities of the radius of projection. Thus increased exposure to air friction plus the increased distance of fall from a higher trajectory, results in more complete breakup of the stream into smaller sized drops, each of which carries less kinetic energy to be dissipated upon impact with soils or crop foliage.

3. Continuous rotation of the jet projector and continuous lateral movement of the arc of projected water results in an oblique pattern of water falling to the soil. Apparently an oblique pattern of following air currents is also created, thus influencing the vertical path of fall of the water drops. In any event, it has been found that the water drops strike the soil at an oblique angle with greatly reduced force. This effect is optimized when the peripheral speed of lateral movement of the projected jet stream is 7 to 8 feet per second or about 5- /2 minutes per revolution for a 400 foot radius of projection.

4. More uniform distribution is achieved and, during an irrigating set, each individual plant is irrigated with greater precision, i.e.: is more certainly watered during each revolution. This reduces crop damage resultant from dried-on fertilizer and salt residues accumulated on foliage surfaces if allowed to dry out between repetitive irrigations too widely spaced in time.-

To achieve all of these desirable operational characteristics automatically and in repetitive cycle sequence, suitable control apparatus 80 is indicated and illusplates 88, valve 81 is actuated four times each revolution to supply available hydraulic power through tube 92 to injector motor 64. A spring-loaded detent may be used to accomplish more rapid transitions in the operations of cam actuated valve 81.

Similarly valve 82 is actuated-by a single 120 cam plate 93 on disc 94 equipped with three ratchet pins 95 spaced at 120? mounted so to be moved A: turn upon engagement by a single extended lever pin 96 (FIG. 5) mounted at the inner perimeter of track 41. Thus, valve 82 is actuated once every third revolution of the irrigat ing jet to supply available hydraulic power to stream spoiler 69 through tube 70. During the intervening two revolutions, available hydraulic power is supplied under control of valve 81 of injector motor 64. Thus,

the range of the irrigating jet during a three-turn cycle is caused to change automatically as follows:

first rotation S range to irrigate inner circle area second and third rotations alternating between N and L ranges at 45 segments of arc The water for hydraulic power for operation of all motors and control apparatus is taken from the inlet supply to the jet irrigator at tap 97 near swivel 44 (FIG. 4) and directed through a filter 98. N-speed valve 99 (FIG. 8) is used to control the flow of water through bypass valve 86 and tube 68 to adjust the speed of hydraulic motor 62 to obtain the desired rate of rotation of the jet irrigator operating at normal (N) range.

During long (L) range cyclic intervals, the supply of hydraulic power to injector motor 64 available at tube 92 is also used to actuate valve 86 to interrupt the bypass flow path around L-speed valve 100 which is adjustable to reduce the speed of motor 62 and thus the speed of irrigator jet rotation while operating at long (L) range. During short (S) range cyclic intervals, the supply of hydraulic power to stream spoiler 69 available at tube is also used to actuate valve to open a bypass path around valve 99 and the resultant increase in hydraulic power flow to motor 62 is adjustable by means of S-speed valve 101 to increase the speed of rotation or jet irrigator while operating at short (S) range. Thus, the speed of rotation of the irrigating jet is caused to reduce automatically with increasing range of projection to accomplish uniformity of total water application to each unit area and a substantially constant, neat optimum rate of lateral motion of the jet stream is achieved at the perimeter of each range of projection.

In the event of an increase in wind levels above a selected threshold level when the rotating jet comes into the wind, the flow of air through transducer assembly 75 will cause displacement of position of sensor jet 102, causing a release of pressure normally maintained in sensor tube 79. The wind level at which effective displacement of sensor jet 102 will occur depends upon the velocity of water flow which is adjustable by wind threshold adjustment valve 103.

Upon release of pressure in sensor tube 79, valve 84 will be deactivated to stop the flow of water to sensor jet 102 and to deliver a direct flow of waterto injector motor 64 and a resultant constant flow of friction reducing additive for injection into the projected jet. Continued operation of camoperated valves 81 and 82 serves to feed back hydraulic pressure available from tube 92 in a series of pulses to sensor jet nozzle 78. When wind pressure input to transducer 75 has subsided, and sensor jet stream 102 (FIG. 8) has been restored to normal trajectory, the resultantbuild-up in hydraulic pressure in sensor tube 79 will reactivate valve 84 thus restoring: (l) a sustaining flow of water to sensor jet 102 and (2) normal cyclic injection of friction-reducing additive number control of valves 81 and 82. Thus, the beneficial effects of injection of fluid friction-reducing additive are automatically available on a quick reaction basis to improve jet projection characteristics against the effects of wind at any nominal range of projection S, N, or L.

Also responsive to wind pressure and a release of pressure in sensor tube'79,'valve 87 will reset to deactivated position under minor hydraulic pressure applied through tube 104 to valve reset piston 105 available at the junction of pressure-reducing orifice 106 and adjustable valve 107 discharging through valve 87 to ambient pressure drain line 108. Deactivation of valve 87 causes application of hydraulic pressure to hydraulic jack 73 through tube I09. The resultant pressure in tube 109 will cause a reverse flow thru valve 107 and an increase in pressure to valve piston 105 so that valve 87 will not restore to normal activated condition even if cessation of wind pressure results in restoration of normal pressure in sensor tube 79.

Valve 83 is operated by auxiliary cam 110 briefly once each three revolutions of the irrigating jet and disc 94, typically at l minute intervals. Activation of valve 83 serves to bleed off the holding pressure applied to valve piston 105 by discharge to ambient pressure drain line 108. If, at such intervals, normal operating pressure has been restored at sensor tube 79, then valve 87 will return to its normal, activated position and hydraulic jack 73 will also reset to normal position, discharging through tube 109 and valve 87 to drain line 108. Otherwise, operation at lower trajectory will be maintained for an additional period of three rotations of the irrigating jet. Optionally, a flow restricting orifice Ill and hydraulic/air cushion chamber 112 may be incorporated to delay deactivation of valve 87 so that hydraulic jack 73 will not respond too frequently under variable wind conditions. Thus, the beneficial effects of a lower trajectory of irrigator jet projection is available automatically when necessary to provide improved water distribution performance during windy intervals.

In this hydraulic power and control system, a relatively small flow of water is discharged after use, principally by motors 62 and 64, and sufficient back pressure is available for distribution of this water through an auxiliary sprinkler tip 113 to the ground area immediately surrounding the jet irrigator. The hydraulic control apparatus of FIG. 8 is described in detail for illustration only. Other alternative means for achieving the same elements of control may be employed, as is well known in the art.

The 3-cycle jet irrigator of FIG. 5 is directed to apparatus and a method for sprinkler irrigation particularly suited to large fields and rangeland areas, including relatively rough undeveloped lands. The irrigator may be towed into position and connected to a source of high pressure water by means of a portable hose or pipeline. The self-powered unit remains stationary during an irrigating set and is usually moved only once each day. Typically one such unit operating at 1,000 gallons per minute will irrigate a 10 acre, rectangular land area, sequentially and alternately irrigating three segments of such land. Water runoff and soil erosion is practically eliminated by the resultant increase in infiltration rate of the soils and an average application rate of about 0.2 inches/hour. The effects of wind are minimized by long term averaging and by automatic adjustment of jet stream characteristics and trajectory. The irrigator may be advantageously used for distribution of fertilizer materials, followed by repetitive clear water irrigation to wash the fertilizer well into the soil surface.

The improved cyclic jet irrigator of FIG. 5 is also directed to apparatus and a method for sprinkler distribution of municipal sewage wastewaters for application to forest, pasture and marshland areas. This current concept of recycling of wastewatersback to the soil is outlined in a public brochre, dated August 1972 entitled Wastewater Management Technical Alternatives, published by the US. Army Engineer District, San Francisco, California. A major objective is to eliminate or reduce conjamination caused by discharge of waste constitutents into surface waters.

A method described in the above-mentioned brochure provides for a high level of treatment for water borne wastes incorporating the concept of land application and effluent recollection. Such method is described in the brochure as follows:

In this concept secondary effluent is stored, chlorinated and applied to the land surface by some means of irrigation. The soil mantle and its vegetative cover act as a living filter to remove pollutants in the wastewater. Oxygen-demanding substances are decomposed by oxidation, most or all 'of the nitrogen and phosphorus is consumed in plant growth or fixed by ad sorption on soil particles, and heavy metals are immobilized by adsorption on soil particles. Underdrains or other recollection systems are provided in some cases to allow for the recoveryof treated wastewater for reuse. A properly designed and operated land application system can stimulate forest or crop growth, purify wastewater while making use of the fertilizer value of the waste components, add purified water to groundwater supplies or make purified water available for a variety of reuse opportunities.

Bio-chemical oxygen demand, phosphorus, and nitrogen are removed equally as well by land application and recollection as by tertiary treatment. In the case of gross heavy metals removal is better under land application.

In this application, the jet irrigator of FIG. 5 may be most advantageously used in natural forest, brush and grassland areas in permanent set installations wherein the units are permanently installed and connected by means of high pressure pipelines. Typically one such unit operating at 1,500 to 3,000 gallons per minute, at pressures of 200 to 450 pounds per square inch, will irrigate a to acre land area with average application rates of 0.2 to 0.3 inch per hour. Water runoff and erosion is usually minimal for such rates of application, for most soils with vegetation cover and is further reduced due to the i 30 percent increase in average infiltration rate obtained with repetitive cyclic irrigation'as previously described. The related cyclic infusion ofair into the soil will allow the aerobic microorganisms present to more rapidly decompose the organic material content of the effluent which otherwise would tend to fill the soil pore spaces. Thus the water infiltration capacity of the soil is stabilized at a higher average continuous absorption rate than would otherwise be possible.

In such applications, total maximum application rates will usually be in the range 6 to 9 inches per month on forest and pasture grassland areas, thus each sprinkler head will be in operation less than 10 percent of total hours. Substantially increased total application rates may be used on marsh-grass areas.

Thus, a relatively small number of sprinkler heads according to this invention may be employed to distribute wastewater to large land areas and at an increased application rate per unit area. Major economies result due to reduction in land area necessary, reduction in total length of distribution pipeline required and reduction in total number of sprinkler heads to be installed and maintained. This latter factor is particularly important in regional areas subject to freezing temperatures, in which case it is practical to maintain a smaller number of large sprinkler heads in ready-operating condition by means of auxiliary heating equipment.

Although the foregoing improvement as regards a method and apparatus for water jet projection and control have been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, it is to be understood that certain changes, modifications and omissions may be practiced within the spirit of the invention as limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

In the claims:

1. Hydraulic jet projector apparatus comprising: a tubular body including a nozzle barrel having an opening in the side thereof and means at one end thereof for defining a circular fluid outlet orifice, and a diffuser tube coupled to the opposite end of said barrel and extending away therefrom, said diffuser tube decreasing in cross-section as it extends away from the barrel, the outer end of the diffuser adapted to be coupled to a source of water under pressure; a hydraulic needle shiftably mounted within the barrel and extending partially through said orifice, the needle having a transversely circular configuration and provided with an enlarged central portion, the portions of the needle on opposite sides of the central portion being generally conical, said portions of the needle being generally symmetrical about its central axis, said needle being movable into concentricity to said orifice when water flows through the barrel and out of the same through the orifice; actuatable means coupled with the side opening of the barrel for injecting a friction-reducing agent thereinto for mixture with the water in the flow therethrough to thereby decrease the turbulence in the flow adjacent to the inner surface of the barrel; and means coupled with said injection means for controlling the actuation thereof.

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said opening comprises an annular slot in the side of the barrel, said injection means including a fluid pump, a source of said agent, and means placing the slot in fluid communication with said source, said pump being operable to inject a charge of said agent into said placing means.

3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said pump includes a fluid piston and cylinder assembly, and a tube for placing said body in fluid communication with said assembly to provide hydraulic power therefor, said controlling means including a valve for controlling the flow of water through said tube to said assembly.

4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein is provided a second valve coupled with said tube for exhausting the same to ambient pressure conditions.

5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the needle tapers to a sharp point as it extends outwardly of the orifice, and including a flexible shaft secured at one end thereof to the needle and extending toward the diffuser, said shaft being coupled at its opposite end to the body.

6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the barrel is at an angle with respect to the diffuser, and including an elbow interconnecting the proximal ends of the barrel and the diffuser, said elbow having a plurality of arcuate vanes therein for minimizing turbulence in the water flow therethrough.

7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein is provided a support including a generally circular, horizontal track, said body being rotatably mounted on the track for movement about a generally vertical axis, there being swivel means on the outer end of the diffuser for coupling the same to said water source, the body being movable relative to the track about a generally horizontal axis.

8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein is included brace structure rotatably mounted on the track, and means pivotally mounting the barrel on said brace structure for rotation relative thereto about a generally horizontal axis, there being swivel means on the outer end of the diffuser for coupling the same to said water source, and counterweight means coupled with said barrel for biasing the same into a predetermined operative location relative to the brace structure.

9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein is included roller structure mounting the barrel on said track, and including means responsive to the flow of water through the body for pivoting the barrel about a generally horizontal axis at the junction between the track and one portion of said roller structure.

10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said barrel extends away from the diffuser at an angle and is rotatable with respect thereto, said barrel adapted to be rotatably mounted on and to extend into an enclosure, there being a shaft secured to said needle and extending away from the orifice, means coupled with the shaft for biasing the same toward and into closing relationship to the orifice, said bias means being operable to permit the needle to move away from the orifice in response to fluid flow through said barrel, and means providing a protective cover for the end of the barrel having said orifice. A

11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein is provided means for mounting said body for rotation about a generally vertical axis, said diffuser having means thereon for swivelly coupling the same to said water source, a jet stream deflector mounted on the body externally thereof and movable partially into the stream issuing from said orifice for deflecting the stream and thereby to change the range of projection thereof, and means responsive to the position of the body about said vertical axis for moving the deflector into said operative position.

12. Apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein said means for moving the deflector is responsive to the flow of water through said body.

13. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein is included means mounting said body for rotation about a generally vertical axis, and means coupled with said body for rotating the same about said axis, said barrel normally being inclined with respect to said axis, and including means adjacent to the barrel for sensing the wind force directed toward the orifice, and means coupled with the body for changing the inclination of said barrel as a function of the wind force sensed by such sensing means.

14. Apparatus as set forth in claim 13, wherein said sensing means is responsive to the flow of water through said body.

15. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein is included means mounting the body for rotation about a generally vertical axis, means coupled with the body for rotating the same about said axis, said injecting means being actuated as a function of the operative position of the body about said axis.

16. Apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein said rotating means and said injecting means are coupled with said body for receiving a portion of the water flow therethrough and thereby hydraulic power therefrom, and including means for controlling the flow of water to said rotating means'and said injecting means.

17. Apparatus as set forth in claim '15, wherein said mounting means includes a circular, generally horizontal track, there being means mounting the body on said track for rotation about said vertical axis,.thet rack having a number of circumferentially-spaced triggering devices thereon, and means carried by thebarrel and engagable with said devices for controlling the actuation of said injection means.

18. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein is provided first means coupled with said body for mounting the same for rotation about a generally vertical axis wtih said barrel being inclined with respect thereto, second means coupled with said body for rotating the same about said axis, third means coupled with said body for .changing the inclination of said barrel as a function of the wind force exerted towards said orifice, and fourth means coupled with said body and movable at least partially into the jet stream issuing from said orifice for deflecting the jet stream to thereby change its range of projection.

19. Apparatus as set forth in claim 18, wherein said second means, said third means, said fourth means and said injecting means are responsive to the flow of water through said body.

20. Apparatus as set forth in claim 18, wherein said fourth means and said injecting means are actuated as 20 a function of the operative position of said body along its-circular path of travel about said vertical axis.

21. HYdraulic jet projector apparatus comprising: a tubular body having an opening in the side thereof and means at one end thereof for defining a circular fluid outlet orifice, the opposite end of the body adapted to be coupled to a source of water under pressure; an elongated hydraulic needle having a transversely circular cross-section and provided with an enlarged central portion, the portions of the needle on opposite ends of the central portion tapering away therefrom symmetrically about the longitudinal axis thereof; means shiftably mounting the needle in said body with one of the end portions thereof extending at least partially through said orifice, said mounting means permitting the needle to move into substantial concentricity to said orifice when water flows through the body and out of the same through said orifice; and means coupled with the body for injecting a friction-reducing agent into said opening thereof for mixture with the fluid flow therethrough to decrease the friction between the flow and'the inner surface of the body.

' 22. Apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein the central axis of the orifice is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the body.

23. Apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein the central axis of the orifice is'at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body.

24. Apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein said opening comprises an annular slot upstream of said needle and inclined in the direction of water flow through said body.

25. Hydraulic jet projector apparatus comprising: a tubular body having an opening in the side thereof and means at one end thereof for defining a circular fluid outlet orifice, the opposite end of the body adapted to be coupled to a source of water under pressure; means in said body and extending partially through said orifice for directing the water flow issuing from the orifice in a jet stream having a substantially uniform, turbulence- I the body; means coupled with said opening of the body for injecting a friction-reducing agent thereinto through said opening as said body rotates about said vertical axis; and means shiftably carried by the body and movable at least partially into the jet stream for deflecting the same to thereby change the range of projection thereof.

26. Apparatus as set forth in claim 25, wherein said rotating means, said changing means, said injecting means and said deflecting means are responsive to the flow of water through the body.

27. Apparatus as set forth in claim 25, wherein said injecting means and said deflecting means are actuated as a function of the operative position of said body along its circular path of travel about said vertical axis.

28. Apparatus as set forth in claim 25, wherein is included control means coupled with said injecting means and said deflecting means for sequentially actuating. the same as said body rotates about said vertical axis.

29. Apparatus as set forth in claim 28, wherein said control means includes a first fluid valve coupled with said injecting means and responsive to the operative position of the body along its circular path of travel for actuating said injecting means as said body moves through a first arcuate distance along said path, and a second fluid valve coupled with said deflecting means for actuating the latter as said body moves through a second arcuate distance along said path.

30. Apparatus as set forth in claim 29, wherein is included rotatable cam means carried by said body and coupled with each valve respectively, for actuating the latter, and means carried by said body mounting means for sequentially rotating said cam means as said body rotates about said vertical axis.

31. Apparatus as set forth in claim 25, wherein said injecting means is sequentially actuated, said rotating means having a rotatable drive shaft, and means coupled with said rotating means for effecting a change in the rotational speed of said drive shaft when said injecting means is actuated.

32. Apparatus as set forth in claim 31, wherein said rotating means includes a hydraulic motor having means for receiving a portion of the water flow through said body, said effecting means including a valve coupled with said receiving means for controlling the flow of water to said motor. v

33. Apparatus as set forth in claim 25, wherein said deflecting means is sequentially actuated, said rotating means having a rotatable drive shaft, and means coupled with said rotating means for effecting a change in the rotational speed of said drive shaft when said deflecting means is actuated.

34. Apparatus as set forth in claim 25, whereinsaid changing means includes a sensor carried by said body adjacent to said orifice for sensing the wind force directed toward the orifice, and a power device coupled with said body and said body mounting means for pivoting the body about a horizontal axis spaced laterally from said vertical axis.

35. Apparatus as set forth in claim 34, wherein said power device includes a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly coupled to said body to receive a first portion of the water flow thereof, said sensor including a horn having a throat and means coupled thereto for directing a flow of water across said throat, said horn being coupled to said body to receive a portion of the water flow thereof, said water portion being directed across said throat, and a valve coupled to said hornand being responsive to said water portion directed across said throat, said valve being operable to control the water flow to said piston and cylinder assembly.

36. A method of forming a jet stream comprising: directing a pressurized flow of water along a path through a cylindrical region whose boundary provides a frictional resistance to the'flow; projecting the flow outwardly of the region as the stream is reduced in crosssection and forms a substantially turbulence-free jet stream of uniform cross-section; and selectively injecting a friction-reducing agent into the boundary layer of said flow to minimize the frictional force between said boundary and said flow.

37. A method as set forth in claim 36, wherein is included the step of rotating the region about a generally vertical axis as the flow is projected outwardly therefrom, said injecting step including directing said agent through an annular slot surrounding said region.

38. A method as set forth in claim 37, wherein said region is inclined with respect to the vertical, and wherein is included the step of changing the inclination and rotational speed of said region as the latter is rotated about said vertical axis.

39. A method as set forth in claim 36, wherein is included the step of rotating the region about a generally vertical axis when the region is inclined relative thereto, sensing a wind force adjacent to said region as the latter rotates about said axis, and pivoting said re gion about a horizontal axis spaced from said vertical axis as a function of the sensing of said wind force to thereby change the inclination of said region.

40. A method as set forth in claim 36, wherein is included the step of coupling said region to a source of water under pressure, rotating the region about its longitudinal axis relative to the source, and directing the flow out of the region along a path substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis.

41. A method of irrigating land comprising: projecting a flow of water through and outwardly of an inclined fluid passage; controlling the flow of water through the passage so that the water issues therefrom in a jet stream having a generally turbulence-free, substantially uniform cross-section; rotating the passage about a generally vertical axis as the water is projected throughand outwardly thereof, whereby the jet stream will be directed onto an annular band of land surrounding and spaced from said axis; and adding a frictionreducing agent to said passage as water flows therestream.

42. A method as set forth in claim 41, wherein said adding step includes injecting the agent into said passage four times during a revolution of said passage about said axis with each injection continuing for a time sufficient to cause the region on which the jet stream is directed to be of a predetermined arcuate distance with respect to said axis.

43. A method as set forth in claim 42, wherein the injecting step is performed as a function of the rotative position of the passage about said axis and for an interval sufficient to cause the jet stream to sprinkle the corners of a rectangular piece of land when the jet stream normally has a' range approximately equal to the distance between said axis to one side of said land and when the passage is disposed substantially at the center of said piece of land.

44. A method as set forth in claim 41, wherein is included the step of sensing the wind force exerted toward the outlet end of said passage as the latter rotates about said axis, and changing the inclination of said passage when the wind force has a value different from a predetermined value reference.

45. A method as set forth in claim 44, wherein said changing step includes reducing the inclination of said passage.

46. A method as set forth in claim 41, wherein is included the step of changing the speed of rotation of saidpassage about said axis when said agent is added to said passage.

47. A method as set forth in claim 46, wherein said changing step includes increasing the speed of rotation of said passage.

, "-48.- A me ho as S et forth in claim 41, wherein is included the step of deflectingthe jet Stream to decrease its range of projection and thereby sprinkle the land area within said. band.

49.'A method asset forth in claim 48, wherein said deflecting step 'is'performed once every three revolutions of said passage about said axis and fora timefcorresponding to the timeofone revolution of the passage about said axis. h h

" S0. Amethod as set forth in claim 49, wherein is ineluded thestep of changing the speed of rotation of the passage about said axis when the jet stream is deflected.

. 51.- A method as set forth inclaim 50; wherein said changing step includes reducingthe speed ofgrotation of said passage aboutsaid'axis.

' .52; A method-of irrigating a polygonal'l'and area comprising: providingan inclined fluid passage approximately at the center of the land area; directing a flow ofwater under pressure through and out of said passage when the latter remainsinclined; controlling the flow of'waterout of said passage tocause the waterflow to form: a jet stream having a g'enerally'iuniform',turbulence-free cross-section; rotating said passage about a generally vertical a'xisas the water issues therefrom and as the latter remains inclined, whereby said jet stream will irrigate an. annular band of said land'area in surrounding, spaced relationshipto said axis with the-ra- -diusof theband being substantially equal to the dis tance from said axis:to aside of said land area; adding a friction-reducing agentto said passage :when'the latter is radially alignedwith a-corner portion'of the land area and as thepassage rotates through at least a first of several revolutions to increase'therangeof projection of said jet stream;.increasing the speed ofrotation of said passage-when said agent is being added thereto;

. force between boundary and said flow; and controlling the amount of the agent pumped from said source. f

' 56. A method-of formingajet stream comprising'z dical ra a; whose boundary rovides a frictional resistance to the flow; projecting the flow outwardly of the r'egion'as the stream is reducedincross section 'and forms asubstantiallyturbulence free jet streamvof uniform cross section; providing a' source of a, frictionreduci g agent; pumping a charge of said agent from said sourc'einto said region to minimize thelfrictional recting a' pressurizedflo'w ofwater through a cylindrical region whose'bound ary provides a frictional resistance to the flow; projecting the flow outwardly of the region as'the stream is 'reducedin cross section and forms a substantially turbulence-free jet stream of uniform' crossl'section; selectively injecting a frictionreducing 'agent into said'flow to minimize the frictional force between said boundary and said flow; rotating the region about a generally vertical axiswhen the region is-inclined relative'thereto;' sensing awind 'force adjacent to said region as the latter rotates about said axis; changing theangle' of inclination of said region as a function of'the sensing of said wind force;-and changing the speedof rotation of said region, about said axis after said angle of inclination. has been changed.

1 5 7. A methodof forming a jet stream comprising: di-

. recting a pressurized flow of water through a cylindrical region whose boundary provides a frictional resistance to the flow; projecting the flowoutwardly of the I region as the stream is reduced in cros'ssection and region about-a generally vertical axis when the region is inclined relative'thereto; sensing a wind force adjadeflecting the jet stream to reduceits range ofprojection during'a 'second'of said several revolutions;reducing the speed of rotation" of. said passage when the jet stream is deflected; sensing the wind force directed toward the outlet end'of the fluid passage as thelatter rotates aboutlsaid axis; and decreasing the inclination of said passage whenthe' second wind force has a value;

. 53. Water delivery apparatus comprising: awate'r'dedifferent from a predetermined reference value.

liverytbarrel having an outlet orifice; meansmounting the barrel for rotation about a generally vertical axis forms a substantially turbulence-free jet stream of uniform cross section; selectively: injecting a frictionreducing agent into saidflow to minimize the frictional force between said boundary andsaid flow; rotating the cent to said region as the latter rotates about said axis and in response'to the flow of 'water through said region; and changing the angle of 'inclination'of said region' asa function of the sensing of; said wind force.

' 58. A. method of forming a jet stream comprising: di-

rectinga pressurized'flowof water through a cylindric'alI region whose boundaryprovides a frictional resisitance to theflowfprojecting the How outwardly of the region as the stream is reduced in cross section and forms a substantially turbulence-free stream of uniform with the barrel being inclined; means coupled with the barrel for rotating the same about said axis;,means mounted on andniovable with the barrel for sensing the wind force directed toward'the orifice as, the barrel rotatesaboutsaidaxis'; and means coupled-with the barrel .for changing the inclination thereof when the sensed .wind force differs from a predetermined refer? encevalue.-

' 54. A method of formingja jet stream comprising:di-

recting a. pressurized flow of waterthroughia cylindritherethrough to minimize the, frictional force between said boundaryandsaid flow. I j

; A method of forming a jet stream comprising: di-

: meeting a pressurized flow of water through a cylindricross section; selectively injecting a frictionreducing agent into said flow to minimize the frictional force between said'boundaryand said'flow; rotating the region about a generally vertical' axis'when the region is inclined relative'thereto; sensing a wind force adjacent to said region as the-latter rotates about said axis; and

= 5 changingthe angle: of inclination ofzsaid; region as a function of the sehs'ing'of said wind-force and in response to'the flow of 'w'aterthrough said region.

' 59. A method of forming a jet stream comprising: die I recting a pressurized flow of water through a cylindrivcal region whose boundary provides a" frictional resistance tolthe flow; projecting the flow outwardly of the regionlas the stream is reduced in cross section and t forms a substantially turbulence-free jet stream ofuniform cross section; selectively injecting a frictionreducing agent into said flow to minimize the frictional force between said boundaryand said flow; rotating said region about a generally vertical axiswhen the re-[ gion is inclinedrelative thereto; and changing the speed,

of rotation of said region as said agent is injected into said flow.

60. A method of forming a jet stream comprising: directing a pressurized flow of water through a cylindrical region whose boundary provides a frictional resistance to the flow; projecting the flow outwardly of the region as the stream is reduced in cross section and forms a substantially turbulence-free jet stream of uniform cross section; selectively injecting a frictionreducing agent into said flow to minimize the frictional force between said boundary and said flow; rotating the region about a generally vertical axis; and deflecting the jet stream as a function of the rotative position of the region relative to said axis.

61. A method as set forth in claim 60, wherein said deflecting step is responsive to the flow of water through said region.

62. A method of forming a jet stream comprising: directing a pressurized flow of water through a cylindrical region whose boundary provides a frictional resistance to the flow with the region being rotatable to change the inclination thereof; projecting the flow outwardly of the region as the stream is reduced in cross section and forms a substantially turbulence-free jet stream of uniform cross section; selectively injecting a friction-reducing agent into said flow to minimize the frictional force between said boundary and said flow; and biasing the region into a predetermined inclination.

63. A method of forming a jet stream comprising: directing a pressurized flow of water along a path through a cylindrical region whose boundary provides a frictional resistance to the flow; projecting the flow outwardly of the region as the stream is reduced in cross section and forms a substantially turbulence-free jet stream of uniform cross section; rotating the region about a generally vertical axis; and selectively injecting a friction-reducing agent into said flow as a function of the rotative position of said region relative to said axis to minimize the frictional force between said boundary and said flow.

64. A method as set forth in claim 63, wherein said injecting step is performed a number of times during a revolution of said region about said axis.

65. A method as set forth in claim 64, wherein said region rotates through a predetermined arcuate distance each time said injecting step is performed. 

1. Hydraulic jet projectOr apparatus comprising: a tubular body including a nozzle barrel having an opening in the side thereof and means at one end thereof for defining a circular fluid outlet orifice, and a diffuser tube coupled to the opposite end of said barrel and extending away therefrom, said diffuser tube decreasing in cross-section as it extends away from the barrel, the outer end of the diffuser adapted to be coupled to a source of water under pressure; a hydraulic needle shiftably mounted within the barrel and extending partially through said orifice, the needle having a transversely circular configuration and provided with an enlarged central portion, the portions of the needle on opposite sides of the central portion being generally conical, said portions of the needle being generally symmetrical about its central axis, said needle being movable into concentricity to said orifice when water flows through the barrel and out of the same through the orifice; actuatable means coupled with the side opening of the barrel for injecting a frictionreducing agent thereinto for mixture with the water in the flow therethrough to thereby decrease the turbulence in the flow adjacent to the inner surface of the barrel; and means coupled with said injection means for controlling the actuation thereof.
 2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said opening comprises an annular slot in the side of the barrel, said injection means including a fluid pump, a source of said agent, and means placing the slot in fluid communication with said source, said pump being operable to inject a charge of said agent into said placing means.
 3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 2, wherein said pump includes a fluid piston and cylinder assembly, and a tube for placing said body in fluid communication with said assembly to provide hydraulic power therefor, said controlling means including a valve for controlling the flow of water through said tube to said assembly.
 4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 3, wherein is provided a second valve coupled with said tube for exhausting the same to ambient pressure conditions.
 5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the needle tapers to a sharp point as it extends outwardly of the orifice, and including a flexible shaft secured at one end thereof to the needle and extending toward the diffuser, said shaft being coupled at its opposite end to the body.
 6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein the barrel is at an angle with respect to the diffuser, and including an elbow interconnecting the proximal ends of the barrel and the diffuser, said elbow having a plurality of arcuate vanes therein for minimizing turbulence in the water flow therethrough.
 7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein is provided a support including a generally circular, horizontal track, said body being rotatably mounted on the track for movement about a generally vertical axis, there being swivel means on the outer end of the diffuser for coupling the same to said water source, the body being movable relative to the track about a generally horizontal axis.
 8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein is included brace structure rotatably mounted on the track, and means pivotally mounting the barrel on said brace structure for rotation relative thereto about a generally horizontal axis, there being swivel means on the outer end of the diffuser for coupling the same to said water source, and counterweight means coupled with said barrel for biasing the same into a predetermined operative location relative to the brace structure.
 9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 7, wherein is included roller structure mounting the barrel on said track, and including means responsive to the flow of water through the body for pivoting the barrel about a generally horizontal axis at the junction between the track and one portion of said roller structure.
 10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein said barrel extends away from the diffuser at an angle and is rotatable with respect Thereto, said barrel adapted to be rotatably mounted on and to extend into an enclosure, there being a shaft secured to said needle and extending away from the orifice, means coupled with the shaft for biasing the same toward and into closing relationship to the orifice, said bias means being operable to permit the needle to move away from the orifice in response to fluid flow through said barrel, and means providing a protective cover for the end of the barrel having said orifice.
 11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein is provided means for mounting said body for rotation about a generally vertical axis, said diffuser having means thereon for swivelly coupling the same to said water source, a jet stream deflector mounted on the body externally thereof and movable partially into the stream issuing from said orifice for deflecting the stream and thereby to change the range of projection thereof, and means responsive to the position of the body about said vertical axis for moving the deflector into said operative position.
 12. Apparatus as set forth in claim 11, wherein said means for moving the deflector is responsive to the flow of water through said body.
 13. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein is included means mounting said body for rotation about a generally vertical axis, and means coupled with said body for rotating the same about said axis, said barrel normally being inclined with respect to said axis, and including means adjacent to the barrel for sensing the wind force directed toward the orifice, and means coupled with the body for changing the inclination of said barrel as a function of the wind force sensed by such sensing means.
 14. Apparatus as set forth in claim 13, wherein said sensing means is responsive to the flow of water through said body.
 15. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein is included means mounting the body for rotation about a generally vertical axis, means coupled with the body for rotating the same about said axis, said injecting means being actuated as a function of the operative position of the body about said axis.
 16. Apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein said rotating means and said injecting means are coupled with said body for receiving a portion of the water flow therethrough and thereby hydraulic power therefrom, and including means for controlling the flow of water to said rotating means and said injecting means.
 17. Apparatus as set forth in claim 15, wherein said mounting means includes a circular, generally horizontal track, there being means mounting the body on said track for rotation about said vertical axis, the track having a number of circumferentially-spaced triggering devices thereon, and means carried by the barrel and engagable with said devices for controlling the actuation of said injection means.
 18. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein is provided first means coupled with said body for mounting the same for rotation about a generally vertical axis wtih said barrel being inclined with respect thereto, second means coupled with said body for rotating the same about said axis, third means coupled with said body for changing the inclination of said barrel as a function of the wind force exerted towards said orifice, and fourth means coupled with said body and movable at least partially into the jet stream issuing from said orifice for deflecting the jet stream to thereby change its range of projection.
 19. Apparatus as set forth in claim 18, wherein said second means, said third means, said fourth means and said injecting means are responsive to the flow of water through said body.
 20. Apparatus as set forth in claim 18, wherein said fourth means and said injecting means are actuated as a function of the operative position of said body along its circular path of travel about said vertical axis.
 21. HYdraulic jet projector apparatus comprising: a tubular body having an opening in the side thereof and means at one end thereof for defining a circular fLuid outlet orifice, the opposite end of the body adapted to be coupled to a source of water under pressure; an elongated hydraulic needle having a transversely circular cross-section and provided with an enlarged central portion, the portions of the needle on opposite ends of the central portion tapering away therefrom symmetrically about the longitudinal axis thereof; means shiftably mounting the needle in said body with one of the end portions thereof extending at least partially through said orifice, said mounting means permitting the needle to move into substantial concentricity to said orifice when water flows through the body and out of the same through said orifice; and means coupled with the body for injecting a friction-reducing agent into said opening thereof for mixture with the fluid flow therethrough to decrease the friction between the flow and the inner surface of the body.
 22. Apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein the central axis of the orifice is coincident with the longitudinal axis of the body.
 23. Apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein the central axis of the orifice is at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body.
 24. Apparatus as set forth in claim 21, wherein said opening comprises an annular slot upstream of said needle and inclined in the direction of water flow through said body.
 25. Hydraulic jet projector apparatus comprising: a tubular body having an opening in the side thereof and means at one end thereof for defining a circular fluid outlet orifice, the opposite end of the body adapted to be coupled to a source of water under pressure; means in said body and extending partially through said orifice for directing the water flow issuing from the orifice in a jet stream having a substantially uniform, turbulence-free cross-section; means coupled with the body for mounting the same for rotation about a generally vertical axis with the downstream portion of the body being inclined; means coupled with said body for rotating the same about said vertical axis, said mounting means permitting said body to pivot about a generally horizontal axis; means responsive to a wind force adjacent to said body when the jet stream issues from the orifice for changing the inclination of said downstream position of the body; means coupled with said opening of the body for injecting a friction-reducing agent thereinto through said opening as said body rotates about said vertical axis; and means shiftably carried by the body and movable at least partially into the jet stream for deflecting the same to thereby change the range of projection thereof.
 26. Apparatus as set forth in claim 25, wherein said rotating means, said changing means, said injecting means and said deflecting means are responsive to the flow of water through the body.
 27. Apparatus as set forth in claim 25, wherein said injecting means and said deflecting means are actuated as a function of the operative position of said body along its circular path of travel about said vertical axis.
 28. Apparatus as set forth in claim 25, wherein is included control means coupled with said injecting means and said deflecting means for sequentially actuating the same as said body rotates about said vertical axis.
 29. Apparatus as set forth in claim 28, wherein said control means includes a first fluid valve coupled with said injecting means and responsive to the operative position of the body along its circular path of travel for actuating said injecting means as said body moves through a first arcuate distance along said path, and a second fluid valve coupled with said deflecting means for actuating the latter as said body moves through a second arcuate distance along said path.
 30. Apparatus as set forth in claim 29, wherein is included rotatable cam means carried by said body and coupled with each valve respectively, for actuating the latter, and means carried by said body mounting means for sequentially rotating said cam means as said body rotates aboUt said vertical axis.
 31. Apparatus as set forth in claim 25, wherein said injecting means is sequentially actuated, said rotating means having a rotatable drive shaft, and means coupled with said rotating means for effecting a change in the rotational speed of said drive shaft when said injecting means is actuated.
 32. Apparatus as set forth in claim 31, wherein said rotating means includes a hydraulic motor having means for receiving a portion of the water flow through said body, said effecting means including a valve coupled with said receiving means for controlling the flow of water to said motor.
 33. Apparatus as set forth in claim 25, wherein said deflecting means is sequentially actuated, said rotating means having a rotatable drive shaft, and means coupled with said rotating means for effecting a change in the rotational speed of said drive shaft when said deflecting means is actuated.
 34. Apparatus as set forth in claim 25, wherein said changing means includes a sensor carried by said body adjacent to said orifice for sensing the wind force directed toward the orifice, and a power device coupled with said body and said body mounting means for pivoting the body about a horizontal axis spaced laterally from said vertical axis.
 35. Apparatus as set forth in claim 34, wherein said power device includes a hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly coupled to said body to receive a first portion of the water flow thereof, said sensor including a horn having a throat and means coupled thereto for directing a flow of water across said throat, said horn being coupled to said body to receive a portion of the water flow thereof, said water portion being directed across said throat, and a valve coupled to said horn and being responsive to said water portion directed across said throat, said valve being operable to control the water flow to said piston and cylinder assembly.
 36. A method of forming a jet stream comprising: directing a pressurized flow of water along a path through a cylindrical region whose boundary provides a frictional resistance to the flow; projecting the flow outwardly of the region as the stream is reduced in cross-section and forms a substantially turbulence-free jet stream of uniform cross-section; and selectively injecting a friction-reducing agent into the boundary layer of said flow to minimize the frictional force between said boundary and said flow.
 37. A method as set forth in claim 36, wherein is included the step of rotating the region about a generally vertical axis as the flow is projected outwardly therefrom, said injecting step including directing said agent through an annular slot surrounding said region.
 38. A method as set forth in claim 37, wherein said region is inclined with respect to the vertical, and wherein is included the step of changing the inclination and rotational speed of said region as the latter is rotated about said vertical axis.
 39. A method as set forth in claim 36, wherein is included the step of rotating the region about a generally vertical axis when the region is inclined relative thereto, sensing a wind force adjacent to said region as the latter rotates about said axis, and pivoting said region about a horizontal axis spaced from said vertical axis as a function of the sensing of said wind force to thereby change the inclination of said region.
 40. A method as set forth in claim 36, wherein is included the step of coupling said region to a source of water under pressure, rotating the region about its longitudinal axis relative to the source, and directing the flow out of the region along a path substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis.
 41. A method of irrigating land comprising: projecting a flow of water through and outwardly of an inclined fluid passage; controlling the flow of water through the passage so that the water issues therefrom in a jet stream having a generally turbulence-free, substantially uniform cross-section; rotating the passage aboUt a generally vertical axis as the water is projected through and outwardly thereof, whereby the jet stream will be directed onto an annular band of land surrounding and spaced from said axis; and adding a friction-reducing agent to said passage as water flows therethrough to increase the range of projection of the jet stream.
 42. A method as set forth in claim 41, wherein said adding step includes injecting the agent into said passage four times during a revolution of said passage about said axis with each injection continuing for a time sufficient to cause the region on which the jet stream is directed to be of a predetermined arcuate distance with respect to said axis.
 43. A method as set forth in claim 42, wherein the injecting step is performed as a function of the rotative position of the passage about said axis and for an interval sufficient to cause the jet stream to sprinkle the corners of a rectangular piece of land when the jet stream normally has a range approximately equal to the distance between said axis to one side of said land and when the passage is disposed substantially at the center of said piece of land.
 44. A method as set forth in claim 41, wherein is included the step of sensing the wind force exerted toward the outlet end of said passage as the latter rotates about said axis, and changing the inclination of said passage when the wind force has a value different from a predetermined value reference.
 45. A method as set forth in claim 44, wherein said changing step includes reducing the inclination of said passage.
 46. A method as set forth in claim 41, wherein is included the step of changing the speed of rotation of said passage about said axis when said agent is added to said passage.
 47. A method as set forth in claim 46, wherein said changing step includes increasing the speed of rotation of said passage.
 48. A method as set forth in claim 41, wherein is included the step of deflecting the jet stream to decrease its range of projection and thereby sprinkle the land area within said band.
 49. A method as set forth in claim 48, wherein said deflecting step is performed once every three revolutions of said passage about said axis and for a time corresponding to the time of one revolution of the passage about said axis.
 50. A method as set forth in claim 49, wherein is included the step of changing the speed of rotation of the passage about said axis when the jet stream is deflected.
 51. A method as set forth in claim 50, wherein said changing step includes reducing the speed of rotation of said passage about said axis.
 52. A method of irrigating a polygonal land area comprising: providing an inclined fluid passage approximately at the center of the land area; directing a flow of water under pressure through and out of said passage when the latter remains inclined; controlling the flow of water out of said passage to cause the water flow to form a jet stream having a generally uniform, turbulence-free cross-section; rotating said passage about a generally vertical axis as the water issues therefrom and as the latter remains inclined, whereby said jet stream will irrigate an annular band of said land area in surrounding, spaced relationship to said axis with the radius of the band being substantially equal to the distance from said axis to a side of said land area; adding a friction-reducing agent to said passage when the latter is radially aligned with a corner portion of the land area and as the passage rotates through at least a first of several revolutions to increase the range of projection of said jet stream; increasing the speed of rotation of said passage when said agent is being added thereto; deflecting the jet stream to reduce its range of projection during a second of said several revolutions; reducing the speed of rotation of said passage when the jet stream is deflected; sensing the wind force directed toward the outlet end of the fluid passage as the latter rotates about said axis; and decreasing the inclination of said passage when the second wind force has a value different from a predetermined reference value.
 53. Water delivery apparatus comprising: a water delivery barrel having an outlet orifice; means mounting the barrel for rotation about a generally vertical axis with the barrel being inclined; means coupled with the barrel for rotating the same about said axis; means mounted on and movable with the barrel for sensing the wind force directed toward the orifice as the barrel rotates about said axis; and means coupled with the barrel for changing the inclination thereof when the sensed wind force differs from a predetermined reference value.
 54. A method of forming a jet stream comprising: directing a pressurized flow of water through a cylindrical region whose boundary provides a frictional resistance to the flow; projecting the flow outwardly of the region as the stream is reduced in cross section and forms a substantially turbulence-free jet stream of uniform cross section; and selectively directing a friction-reducing agent into said region as a function of the flow therethrough to minimize the frictional force between said boundary and said flow.
 55. A method of forming a jet stream comprising: directing a pressurized flow of water through a cylindrical region whose boundary provides a frictional resistance to the flow; projecting the flow outwardly of the region as the stream is reduced in cross section and forms a substantially turbulence-free jet stream of uniform cross section; providing a source of a friction-reducing agent; pumping a charge of said agent from said source into said region to minimize the frictional force between said boundary and said flow; and controlling the amount of the agent pumped from said source.
 56. A method of forming a jet stream comprising: directing a pressurized flow of water through a cylindrical region whose boundary provides a frictional resistance to the flow; projecting the flow outwardly of the region as the stream is reduced in cross section and forms a substantially turbulence-free jet stream of uniform cross section; selectively injecting a friction-reducing agent into said flow to minimize the frictional force between said boundary and said flow; rotating the region about a generally vertical axis when the region is inclined relative thereto; sensing a wind force adjacent to said region as the latter rotates about said axis; changing the angle of inclination of said region as a function of the sensing of said wind force; and changing the speed of rotation of said region about said axis after said angle of inclination has been changed.
 57. A method of forming a jet stream comprising: directing a pressurized flow of water through a cylindrical region whose boundary provides a frictional resistance to the flow; projecting the flow outwardly of the region as the stream is reduced in cross section and forms a substantially turbulence-free jet stream of uniform cross section; selectively injecting a friction-reducing agent into said flow to minimize the frictional force between said boundary and said flow; rotating the region about a generally vertical axis when the region is inclined relative thereto; sensing a wind force adjacent to said region as the latter rotates about said axis and in response to the flow of water through said region; and changing the angle of inclination of said region as a function of the sensing of said wind force.
 58. A method of forming a jet stream comprising: directing a pressurized flow of water through a cylindrical region whose boundary provides a frictional resistance to the flow; projecting the flow outwardly of the region as the stream is reduced in cross section and forms a substantially turbulence-free stream of uniform cross section; selectively injecting a frictionreducing agent into said flow to minimize the frictional force between said boundary and said flow; rotating the region about a generally vertical axis when the region is inclined relative thereto; sensing a wind force adjacent to said region as the latter rotates about said axis; and changing the angle of inclination of said region as a function of the sensing of said wind force and in response to the flow of water through said region.
 59. A method of forming a jet stream comprising: directing a pressurized flow of water through a cylindrical region whose boundary provides a frictional resistance to the flow; projecting the flow outwardly of the region as the stream is reduced in cross section and forms a substantially turbulence-free jet stream of uniform cross section; selectively injecting a friction-reducing agent into said flow to minimize the frictional force between said boundary and said flow; rotating said region about a generally vertical axis when the region is inclined relative thereto; and changing the speed of rotation of said region as said agent is injected into said flow.
 60. A method of forming a jet stream comprising: directing a pressurized flow of water through a cylindrical region whose boundary provides a frictional resistance to the flow; projecting the flow outwardly of the region as the stream is reduced in cross section and forms a substantially turbulence-free jet stream of uniform cross section; selectively injecting a friction-reducing agent into said flow to minimize the frictional force between said boundary and said flow; rotating the region about a generally vertical axis; and deflecting the jet stream as a function of the rotative position of the region relative to said axis.
 61. A method as set forth in claim 60, wherein said deflecting step is responsive to the flow of water through said region.
 62. A method of forming a jet stream comprising: directing a pressurized flow of water through a cylindrical region whose boundary provides a frictional resistance to the flow with the region being rotatable to change the inclination thereof; projecting the flow outwardly of the region as the stream is reduced in cross section and forms a substantially turbulence-free jet stream of uniform cross section; selectively injecting a friction-reducing agent into said flow to minimize the frictional force between said boundary and said flow; and biasing the region into a predetermined inclination.
 63. A method of forming a jet stream comprising: directing a pressurized flow of water along a path through a cylindrical region whose boundary provides a frictional resistance to the flow; projecting the flow outwardly of the region as the stream is reduced in cross section and forms a substantially turbulence-free jet stream of uniform cross section; rotating the region about a generally vertical axis; and selectively injecting a friction-reducing agent into said flow as a function of the rotative position of said region relative to said axis to minimize the frictional force between said boundary and said flow.
 64. A method as set forth in claim 63, wherein said injecting step is performed a number of times during a revolution of said region about said axis.
 65. A method as set forth in claim 64, wherein said region rotates through a predetermined arcuate distance each time said injecting step is performed. 